This Hike In Arizona Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience
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Monica Spencer
Author
If you’ve lived in Arizona for some time, you’ve probably visited our most famous attraction, the Grand Canyon, at least once. And, if you’re like most people, you probably only visited a couple of the popular viewpoints along the South Rim. That’s a shame because the Grand Canyon has an endless stream of incredible views that most people will never experience in their lifetime. If you want to get a look at some of those, you should plan a hike through the canyon and we recommend trying out the North Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails.
North Kaibab Trail starts on the North Rim and the winding switchbacks take you all the way down to the canyon floor. The hike down is generally considered pretty easy since it's all going downhill and you may encounter other hikers and even mule trains on the way down. Here, you'll come across Supai Tunnel, a small bridge, and Roaring Springs Canyon (the main turning point for those doing a one-day hike).
Plan an overnight stay at Roaring Springs or Cottonwood Campground because that's your halfway point!
Plan an overnight stay at Roaring Springs or Cottonwood Campground because that's your halfway point!
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The rest of the fourteen mile hike has sights like Ribbon Falls, one of the many amazing waterfalls in the Grand Canyon, which is located a little ways off the trail. If you're taking it slow, you might also want to check out The Box, a slot canyon/gorge. Eventually, you'll reach Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground. This is your next overnight stay.
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The next morning, you'll come to a junction where you can either take Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail. Both will take you back to the top of the canyon along the South Rim but Bright Angel is a couple miles longer. If you want to cross the suspension bridge, continue on North Kaibab to get to South Kaibab Trail. Either way, make sure you get an early start because the temperatures rise fast.
This hike makes for an amazing experience and is something you will want to plan in advance. Know your physical limits and plan for more breaks than you think you will need, especially as the temperatures warm up. In addition to resting more, plan to hydrate and fuel up more frequently than usual. These trails are well known for being strenuous and make hikers more prone to dehydration and overexertion.
To accurately plan out your hike along these trails, be sure to visit the Grand Canyon website for details and permits.
To accurately plan out your hike along these trails, be sure to visit the Grand Canyon website for details and permits.
What other Arizona trails do you recommend for an unforgettable experience?
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